Grass Roots North Carolina, P.O. Box 10684, Raleigh, NC  27605
919-664-8565, www.grnc.org, GRNC Alert Hotline: (919) 562-4137

GRNC Update 3-30-01:
SB 465 Your mobilization pays off again

Wednesday, we issued an urgent alert on SB 465: "Shoot Into Unoccupied
Property/Felony,"  which was heard yesterday in the NC Senate J-II Committee.  
Fortunately, your efforts have again paid off.

Despite the short notice available for response, each committee member received
dozens of e-mails and calls on the bill, prompting discussion among legislators
about the speed and effectiveness of your response.  The bill's primary sponsor,
Sen. DAN ROBINSON (D-Jackson, GRNC 0-star), reportedly displayed the demeanor of
a "whipped dog."

In its original language, SB 465 would have subjected a gun owner to felony
prosecution for firing into even HIS OWN unoccupied "building, structure,
vehicle, watercraft or other conveyance, device, equipment, erection, or enclosure."  (The provision for unoccupied "erections" was reportedly removed altogether; we will leave the reasons for removal to your imagination).  By contrast, the committee substitute bill which passed from the J-II will reportedly not subject property owners or those having their permission to prosecution.  Once we have examined the language of the substitute, we will advise you whether we feel the bill warrants further action.

Thanks are due to Sen. HUGH WEBSTER (R-Alamance, Caswell, Person, GRNC 4-star)
for his opposition to the bill in committee, and to an un-named GRNC member who,
while addressing the committee, ultimately provided the concept for the
committee substitute.  

Thanks to all of you who called and emailed the committee members.  For those of
you who didn't have the time to email or call on this one, there will be other
opportunites- stay tuned.

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